Mining machine



^ M. P. HoLMEs.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 12,1910.

RENEWED FEB. I3,- 1922.

Patented Sept. 26, 1922,

2 SHEETS-SHEET n l Inventor liorri@ BHoZmeS ,fl-30,522, PatentedSept. 26, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET '2.

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illustration of one PatentedI Sept. '26, 1922.

UNITED STATESy PATENTvv OFFN-lli.

MORRIS I. HOLMES, or cLnRnMoNrr, Naw I-IAMrsIIIRn, `AssIeNoR, BY'MRsNn ASSIGN- MENTS, 'ro '.rIInJErrRnY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, or COLUMBUS, orII'o', La;

CORPORATION or oIIIo."

MINING MACHINE.

Original application filed November 27, 1908, Serial No. 464,723. Divided and this application filed March 12, 1910., Serial No. 543,768. Renewed February 13, 1922.V Serial No. 536,369.

a citizen of the United States, residing at Claremont, county of Sullivan, and State of New Ham eshire, have invented an Improvement in ining Machines, of which the following description, in' connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

y invention relates t-o mining machines, being more particularly intended'to v provide improved means for feeding and guiding a mining machine while it performs the cutting operation.

This application isa division ofmy prior pending application Serial No. 464,723, iiled ovem er 27, 190e.

, My invention will bebest understood by reference to the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying` specific embodiment thereof, while its scope will be more particula-rly pointedout in the appended claims.

In the drawings: y

Fig. l shows in plan partially broken away a mining machine embodying one form of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a central. sectional plan showing the speed rreduction gearing for the cable winding drum on the machine in Fig. l'.

Fig. 3 is an elevation partly in section showing the mining machinaJ of Fig. l.

F ig. 4 shows a front end elevation partly broken away of the same mining machine.

Figs. 5, 6, land 7 are diagrams showing the mining machine of Fig. l, arranged for executing the main cnt, the starting out, and the loading movement, respectively.

Referring to the drawings, and the embodiment of my invention there shown, I,

The cutter bar, as usual, carries a suitable cut-ter chain@ provided with the usual -mounted to be driven by means-of While any suitable construction be `v -employed for `traversing the machine while cutting, in the present instance supporting` means are provided upon and with ywhich the machine is adapted to move along the mine, and preferably, as inthe machine of the prior patent to lVIitchell No. 656,414,

such means is provided in the form of a bottom member or shoe 9 upon which the machine is adapted to slide and, ifA desired'. lirectly upon the bottom or floor of the mine.

' In order to theV cutter bar in the desired relation against the work as the me chine is fed along, guid- 'ing means are provided', the same consist-- ing of one or more ropes, cables or other flexible guiding membersvkept under tensionA and so associated with the machine that the cutter bar, as it travels, is held up to the work withoutthe necessary use` of rails or other like `guiding supports.

hold the cutter chain andv In the illustrated form of my invent-ion I provide for this purpose flexible guidingl means, herein in the form of a wire rope or cable presenting two end portions or lengths l0 and ll, both connected to a fixed support. one on the advancing side of the machine and `theother on the receding` side thereof. and one'connected to the machine relatively adjacent its wall or cutting end and the other relatively near the oppositeJ end thereof. The machine may be fed along the flexible yguiding means in any suitable manner, either by hand or by motive power. In case hand power is employed for this purpose, it may be applied to progress the machine in `any suitable manner, as by prying it along the mine bottom` while the iiexible guiding means veffectively serve to guide the machine and keep the cutters up to the work. In this case, the flexible guiding means performs merely a guiding function;

while onthe other hand, if some means. be employed to engage the exibl.e` gu1ding means and propel the machine with such engagement therewith, the guiding means driving means. i

These two lengths or portions are presentedby a single unbroken length` of cable,

vio

ytion or length 11. y j i. 1

`In the .present machine (see Fig.5) the g .cable 10 in'niaking the main or lateral cut a `single Winding drum 12 being employed with `a grooved surface to secure a better grip upon the cable. The leading cable por,-` tion l10 is coiledfor a suiicient number of turns to insure the necessaryfrictional grip,

and thence asses tothe opposite side of the machine, w ere it presents the receding porextends directly from the drum 12 to 'an anchori` 13, or other fixed support at the end of the coal "face to which the end of the cable has a fixed connection. `The anchor 13 may be of any suitable construction, such as that j j the speed changem'echanismat the rear oi' shown in the aforesaid Mitchell patent,

The cable 11, in passing from the machine,

leads from the drum over and about asuitablyJ positioned guiding sheave 14,'thence back to the rear or opposite end of the niachine, over and about the guiding sheaves 15 Y and 16,y and thence to atixed support V17 (see Fig. `5) at the receding'side of the' machine,

' tol which suppor-t its free end is fastened.

Preferably there is provided meansfor taking in or letting out the trailing cable 11 upon the machine itself.V 4For this purpose the two guiding sheaves laiid 16. are together mounted upon va. movable carrier, such as the swinging arm 18 herein mounted on a vertical axis o-n the rear end of the machine,

arm. is iXedl 20, pawl '21 and locking dog 22 by means of Which'the ratchet wheel and arm, together with .the attached guiding sheavesrmay be adjusted to different positions. vAs thev arm is swung lefthandedly, as viewed in Fig. 1,

the trailing cable is let out more or less, while whenit is swung righthandedly, as viewed in the same figure,`the cable will obviously be drawn in more or less. In order to take up or let outthe cable 11 by' means apart# from the machine, the fixed supporti-7 may, f

' Mitchell patent, although this form -obviously does notpossess the -advantages of the uform previouslydescribed; j Y i It will be seenthatlthe cable portion 10, when placed undertension, is so connected to.. j

i v,ment ofthe windingidrum additional speed i the machine as tocxert its draught upon the tensionlendwith the cutter' chain` in position 10 as a fulcrum.

against thejworlr they serve to hold the cutter `bar against the work as the machine travels along and in a position which can be regulat-` ed by takingin or letting out the trailing cable 11 to swing the machine 'more or less `to the advancing` cable j about its connection rection of rotation of the di'um being herein reversed when the change of speed is effected.` The drum is mounted to turn uponbearings; 25 presented by the head portion 26 of the -machine and is arranged coaxially with the motor, so that its main shaft 27 extends rear- Wardly through the hollow motor shaft 7 to 1F ig. 3 as applied to the shaft. Herein this ployment of either one of two speeds the di consists of the grooved clutchmeinbery 28 `ixedlysecured to the shaft to'rotate there` with,r but slidable thereon, carrying gripping members 29 and 30 connected to the i `saidclutch member by the toggle links 31 and 32, respectively, so thatwhen'moved in` one direction or the other the clutch member may be gripped either to the clutch casing 33 oi 34 according to thediiection in Which .the said clutch member is moved. The clutch member may be moved at will in either direction by means of the clutch lever 35 leading to the short upright shaft k36 carrying at lits end the eccentric or cam 37 seated in the Uien theclutch member 28, therefore,.is engaged Iwithlthe `clutch casin 34, the drum di'iviiig'shaft 27 is driven 1n theopposite direction andat a reduced rate. of speed.

`through the armatureshaft 7, beveled gear 5, the .upright shaft 40, the beveled. gears 39 and 38, and clutchl casing 34.

To secure further reduction to thel move,

reduction; gearing is employed, preferably of the planetary type, and herein located `stantly driven by thel large beveled gear 5. f

within the walls of the drum.r Referringto Figs."2 .and @lathe drum drivingl shaftat its forward end keyed thereto l,the

` ment which is communicated to the small pinion 46 fixed to the arm and turning coaxially therewith.

A second reduction is secured by providing the second intermediate gear 47 meshing with the pinion 46 and also with the internal gear 45, the latter carried by the arm 48 also turning about the shaft 27. Movement is communicated to the drum from the arm 48 by means of the small pinion 49 fixed to the arm, which pinion meshes with the intermediate gear 50 turning upon a fixed journal on the head 26 and meshing with the internal gear 45 on the drum. By means of this speed reduction gearing the high speed drivingmovement of the motor in one direction is transformed into a slow drum turning movement in the same direction.

Referring to Fig. 5 the operation of the machine in effecting` the lateral or main cut will be clear. With the cables arranged as therein shown and as previously described, the clutch lever 35 may be turned to impart to the winding drum the slow speed turning movement so that the cable 10 is slowly wound in at the same rate as the cable 11 is payed out. This results in maintaining the .initially established tension on the cable 11 so that the machine in its travel is held in and against the work. The cutters (which move in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 1) act to draw the machine in, and the trailing cable tends to swing the cutter bar forward about the fulcruming attachment of the cable 10 to the machine, holding the cutters against the coal.

By reference to Fig. 5 it will be seen that the machine is held in the cut by the opposing pull of the two cables exerted one near the wall and the other more remote therefrom. By adjustably taking up or lettingl out the receding cable 11, therefore, the angular inclination of the machine may be adjusted. Such adjustment in the illustrated machine may be effected either at the machine by thc manipulation of theratchet and pawl mechanism described, or away from the machine by the manipulation of the takeup jack 17. It will be seen that the two cable portions constitute a stationary guiding member on which the machine travels as it cuts.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement of cables which may be employed in making this starting or sumping cut. Under such condition the advancing cable 10 leads fromv the winding ydrum 12 about an appropriately positioned and removably mounted guide sheave 51, thence forward to a fixed support 52 located near the face of the coai. Vilhen the clutch lever is turned to give the slow speed the Winding drum will be turned slowly in such a direction as to wind in the cable 10,' drawing the cutter bar and cutters into the coal. y

In Fig. 7 I have shown the arrangement of cables for loading the machine upon the truck or upon a starting frame, such for cxample as the frame 58, which is customarhy employed to guide the machine in making the starting or sumping cut. F or this purpose the trailing cable 11 is carried back about the guiding sheaves 15 and 16, and thence directly back to an attachment 54 at the back of the starting frame or truck as the case may be. To better align the cable for this movement the sheave 16 is` transferred from a position at the end of the swinging arm 18 to a position directly over the axis of the arm. lith the cable thus arranged the clutch lever is turned to -give a quick winding movement to the drum,

thus acting to turn the winding drum reversely at a high rate of speed winding in the cable 11 and drawing the machine upon a starting frame at a more rapid rate of travel than is employed in the cutting movement. During this operation the free end of the cable may be taken up by the attendant, and the movement of the machine may be controlled by the take-up. Other arrangements of cables may be utilized to cause the machine to feed itself from one position to another about the mine bottom, as will he obvious to those skilled in the art.

Preferably I provide a hood or casing 55 encircling the winding drum 12, or the greater portion of the periphery thereof, and lying closely adjacent the cable coils, so that a uniform helical relation of the latter will be enforced whether or not tension of the cables is preserved. This opposes any tendency of the coils to open and climb one over the next adjacent one, or otherwise to become entangled.

In machines of the type described, irregularities in the face of the coal beneath which the cutter bar projects, are apt to deflect the machine more of less out of a straight path,

with the result of producing a kerf of varying depth. Preferably I employ uponva machine of this type means for cutting off the overhanging or projecting coal apt to obstruct the passage of the machine as it feeds along the face.v To this end (see Figs. 1 and 3) the drum turning shaft 27 is extended through the head 26 and has fixedly secured at its end the revolving cutter head 57 provided with one or more sets of cutters 58 so positioned that they act to trim efl' the coal in advance of the machine so that the coal directly in front of the machine presents av plane face,

Attention is also directed to the4 fact that,

driving the mechanism from the rear end of the motor, a structure is provided which not only has this and other advantages ybut in common with the structure of my co-pending case is also well adapted for use under .l bad roof conditions. It will also be noted that herein, as ydistinguished from the construction shown' in my co-pending application, through the single stationary strands extending'in opposite directions from the opposite ends of the frame, the amount of flexible connection necessary to be handled and the consequent delays are maintained at a minimum at the same time that it is made possible to eliminate all moving strands, while through the provision of my improved flexible feeding ymeans and my improved cooperating feed controlling means operating on the slack side of the flexiblev connections, it is possible to provide simplified mechanism adapted to propel lthe machine readily as desired and to control the same from the machine whenever desired over a wide range without delay and with a minimum of effort.

While I have herein shown for the purpose of illustration one specific form of my invention, it is to be understood that the same is 4not limitedto the details of construction, yor the relative arrangement of parts, or the application herein made of the invention, or the particular form of mining machine shown, but that extensive deviations may be made in respect to these featuresfrom the showing made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

yClaims:

1.*-In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutter mechanism extending longitu-v of said frame and fixed to points in the mine i at the advancing and receding sidesof said frame, mechanism on said frame for propelling the lattervrelative to said guiding means, land a movable frame angling take-up on said frame around `which a slack portionof said flexible means passes at a point between its fixed point and said propelling mechanism.

2. In a mining machine, an elongated. machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism. extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, fiexible guiding means having its free ends extending laterally from the front and rear ends of said frame and fixed to points in the mine at the advancing and receding sides of said frame, mechanism on said frame for propelling the latter relative to said guiding means, and a movable frame angling take-up on said frame around which the rearwardly located laterally extending portion of said flexible means passes at a point between its fixed point and said propelling mechanism.

3. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible guiding means having its free ends extending laterally from the front and rear endsl of said frame and fixed to points in the mine at the advancing and receding sides of said frame, mechanism on said frame for propelling the latter `relative to said guiding means, a moif'able frame angling takeup on said frame around which passes the portion of said :flexible means on the receding side of said frame, and means-whereby said take-up may be adjusted in either direction. i

, 4. Ina mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bot'- tom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible guiding means having its free ends extending laterally from the front and rear ends of said frame and fixed to points in the mine at the advancing and receding sides of said frame, mechanism on said frame for propelling the latter relative to-said guiding means, a movable frame angling takeup on said frame around which passes the portion of said fiexible means'on thereceding side of said frame, and means for holding said tape-up in different positions of adjustment.

5. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof,` flexible feeding vmechanism including `Hexible feeding portions disposed laterally in front and rea-r of said frame from opposite ends thereof and a single power driven rotatable member paying out one of said portions as it draws .in the other, and an independently movable `frame angling take-up' on said frame movable to vary the effect of said paid' out portion. v

6. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudiiso ing portions disposed laterally in front and' rear of said frame from opposite ends thereof and a single power driven rotatable member payingout one of said portions as it draws in the other, an independently movable frame angling take-np on said frame movable to vary the effect of said paid out portion, and means for moving said take-up.

7. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame, slidable relative .to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending Vlongitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions disposed laterally in front and rear of said frame from opposite ends,

tions.

8. In a miningfmachine, an elongated niachine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinallv thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions disposed laterally in front and rear of said frame from opposite ends thereof and a single power driven rotatable member paying out one of said portions as it draws in the other, an independently movable frame angling take-up onsaid frame movable to vary the effect of said paid out portion, and means for holding said takenp in different positions of adjustment.,

9, In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism' extending longitu` dinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible. feeding portions extending laterally/freniv the opposite ends of said frame in single strands to fixed points on the advancing and receding sides of said frame and a single power driven feed operating member payingv out one of said portions as it draws in` the other, and ja movable frame angling takeup on said frame movable to vary the effect of said paid out portion.

l0; In a mining machine, an elongated machine fi'ame slidable relative toa mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions extending laterally from `the opposite ends of said frame' in single strands to fixed points on the advancing and receding sides` ofsaid frame and 'a single power driven feed operatingmember pay- `ing ont one of said portions as'it draws in the other, and a movable frameangling takeu`p on said frame movable to vary the effect of said paid out portion and around which the latter passes at a point between its fixed point and saidfeed operating member.

ll. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relativel to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longiv tiidinally thereof from one end thereof, flexi- `ble feeding mechanism including a single length of, flexible lfeeding member having portions extending laterally from the opposite ends of said frame in single strands to fixed points on the advancing and receding sides of said frame and power driven vfeed operating means paying out one of said portions as it draws in the other, and an adjustable cooperating vframe angling takeup on said frame movable to vary the effect of said receding portion.

12. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions extending laterally from the opposite ends of said frame .in single strands to fixed points on the advancing and receding sides of said frame and a single power driven feed operating' member paying out one of said portions as it draws in the other, and a cooperating frame angling take-up on said frame operable at will independently of said feed operating inember andmovable to vary the effect of said paid out portion.

13. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable relative to a mine bottom, cutting mechanism extending longitudinally thereof from one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism including a single length of flexible feeding member having portions extending laterally in single strands from the opposite ends of said frame to xed pointson the advancing andreceding sides of said frame and power driven feed operating means paying out one of said portions as it draws in the other, and a cooperating yframe angling take-up on said frame around which the paid out portion passes at a point on the receding side of said feed operating .member, and movable at will independent-ly vframe and including a member driven from the rear end of said motor and operative to wind in' the flexible feeding portion on kthe advancing side of said frame, and means on llb said frame' florvarying the angle of said frame to a face voperating' on the flexible y-"`'feeding portion on the4 recedingside of said 'frame to vary-the effect thereof.

15. In a miningmachin-a machine' frame ,slidable on its-bottom relativeto amine bottom, a horizontally disposed motor thereon L extending longitudinallyl thereof, ycutting fmechanisin projecting fromone end of said iframe and driven by said motor, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions disposed laterally in opposite Fdirectio'ns from opposite ends of said frame rand feedioperating means Vdisposed on said ut 1 the rear end of said motor and operative to frame and'including a member driven Afrom Wind in the flexibley feeding portion on the Fiadvancing side ofsaid frame,-.and means on vlsaidfrainefor varying the angle of said frainefto a face operating on the flexible- "f feeding portion on the receding side 'of said frame to increase or`- decrease the effective length thereof.

i 16. In a mining machine, a machineframe .25. i iftoin, a horizontally ldisposed motor thereon slidable on `its bottom relative to-amine botextending 'longitudinally thereof, cutting :mechanism projecting from one` end of said fand feed operating means disposed-*on said iframe and driven from the rear end ofsaid v frame 'and driven byl said motor, flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions disposed laterally `in op osite `-.directions from opposite ends of said rame motor `and operative to-Wind in either of said flexible feeding portions at Will,and means on said frame `for `varying the angle rof .said frame to aface operating on'tlie flexible feeding portion on the receding side ofv said frame to' vary the effect thereof.

17. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on'its bottoni relative'to a mine-bot'- tom, a horizontally disposed motor thereon `extending longitudinallyy thereof, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor, flexible feedingand `guiding mechanism including flexiblevfeeding portions disposed laterally lin opposite directions from opposite ends of'` saidvffraine'lfand feed operating means dis-,

posed on said frame and 1driven from the rear end ofsaid motor operative to Wind in one ofsaid flexible feeding portions and un- `Wind the other, and means onsaid frame for varying the angle of said frame to `a face operating onv the flexible.y feeding poivtion, on the receding side 'of'said frame -to i. l. `1S.' In a mining machine, [50

l vary the effect thereof.l I1

frame slidable on its bottom relative to a mine bottom,v a horizontally disposed motor thereon "extendingv longitudinally thereof, cuttingr l'I i'ieclianism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor, .flexible feeding mechanism including Aflexioperating an a machine` lble feeding 4Iacfrrtions disposed laterally `in opposite Idirections from opposite ends of jsaid frame and feed operating means disposedon said frame andv driven from the rear end of said motor operative -to shorten or `lengthen either of said flexible feeding portions at will, and 4means on said frame 4for varying the angle of saidframe to a face operating on the flexible feeding portion on the receding side of said frame to vary'v the effect thereof.

19. In a minino' machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom relative to a mine bottom, a'horizontally disposed motor thereon extending longitudinally thereof, cutting mechanism on said frame including a cutter chain sprocket in rear of said i motor, and driven t ereby, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a face comprising flexible feeding portions disposed laterally in advance of and to the receding side of. said` frame from o posite ends thereof, and feed lengthening said receding flexibleportion during machine movement including a feed operating member driven by said motor `and aI cooperating frame vangling take-up carriedon said frame. y

20. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on vits bottom relative to a mine bottom, a horizontally disposed motor thereon extending longitudinally thereof,

cutting mechanism on said frame including a cutter chain sprocket in rear of said motor and driven thereby, flexible feeding -mechanism forfeeding said frame laterally to undercut a facev comprising stationary single strandflexible feeding portions disposed laterally in advance of and to the re-` ceding side of said frame from opposite ends thereof, and feed operating and con-y i motor, flexible feeding mechanism for' feeding said frame laterally to undercut a face `comprising flexible feeding portions dis` posed laterally iii advance of and to the receding side of said framefroin `opposite ends thereof, and feed operating means for shortening said advance flexible portion and lengthening said receding flexible porcontrolling means for short! `ening said advance flexible portion and' ics 22n ln a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom relative to a mine bottom, a horizontally disposed motor thereon extend-ing longitudinally thereof, cutting mechanism on said frame including a cuttery chain sprocket Which is rotatable on an axis disposed in rear of and is also driven from the rear end of said motor, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a face comprising stationary single strand flexible feeding portions disposed laterally in advance of and to the receding side of said frame from opposite ends thereof, and feed operating means for shortening said advance flexible portion and lengthening said receding iiexible portion during machine movement including a feed .operating member vrotatable on a horizontal axis and driven from the rear end of said motor anda cooperating frame angling take-up' carried on said frame., the driving connections for said Y laterally in advance of said'frame and on `zontal a the receding side thereof from opposite ends thereof, feed operating means rotatable on a single axis and operated by power from the rear end of said motor to shorten one of said portions and lengthen the other, and manually controlled frame angling means on said frame operable to varythe effect of said lengthened portion.

24. ln a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on miner bottom, horizontal motor disposed longitudinally of said frame, cutter niiechanism on said frame Aand driven from said motor, flexible feeding Vmeans for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face comprising` flexible feedingl portions disposed laterally in advance of said frame and on the receding side Vthereof and from opposite ends thereof, feed operating means rotatable relative to a horis and operated by poiver from the rear end of said motor to shorten one of said portions and lengthen the other, and manually` controlled frame angling means operable to vary theelfect of lengthened portion.

. 1n a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottoni, a horizontal motor disposed longitudinally of said frame, cutter mechanism on said frame and driven from said motor, flexible feeding means for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face comprising stationary single stran` flexible feeding portions disposed in advance of frame and on receding side thereof and from opposite ends thereof, feed operating means rotatable ou a single axis and operated by power from the rear end of said motor operative to shorten one of said portions and lengthen the other, and manually controlled frame angling means on said frame operable to vary the effect of said lengthened portion.

ln a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a horizontal motor disposed longitudinally of said frame, cutter mechanism on said frame and driven from said motor, flexible feeding means for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face comprising stationary single strand flexible feeding portions disposed in advance of said frame and on vthe receding sine thereof `and from opposite ends thereof, feed operating means rotatable relative to a horizontal axis and operated by ypower from the rear end of said motor operative to shorten one of said portions and lengthen the other, and manually controlled frame angling means on said frame operable to vary the effect of said lengthened portion.

27. In a mining machine, a machine frame s idable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism at one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face including feeding means 'disposed on a horizontal axis and a plurality of cooperatingflexible feeding portions operatively con- 'nected between said frame and points in the mine and disposed laterally one in advance of said frame from the front end thereof and the other to the receding side of said frame from the. rear end thereof, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame and driving saidL cutting' mechanism, and driving connections between the rear end of said motor and said feeding means selectively operable to wind in either of said portions.

28. In a mining` machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism at one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face including feeding means disposed on a horizontal axis and a plurality of cooperating flexible feeding portions operatively connected-between said frame and points in the mine and disposed one iii advance of said lframe fromthe front end thereof and the other on the receding side of said frame from the rear end thereof, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame driving said cutting mechanism, and driving connections between ther rear' end of said motor and said feeding means including a friction mechanism and selectively operable to Wind in either of said portions. v

29. In a mining machine, amachine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism at one end thereof, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame' laterally to undercut a coal face including feeding means disposed on a horizontal axis and a plurality of cooperating stationary single strand flexible feeding portions operatively connected between said frame and fixed points in the mine and disposed one in advance of said frame from the front end thereof and theother on thereceding side of said frame from the rear end thereof, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of saidiframe driving said cutting mechanism, and driving connec- `tions between the rear end of said motor and said feeding means selectively operable to Wind in either of said portions.

30. In amining machine, machine `frame slidable on itsy 'bottom on a mine bott-om,

cutting mechanism at one end thereof,` fiexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame rlaterally `to undercut a coal face including feeding means disposed on a horizontal axis and a single length of flexible feedin tween said frame and fixed points in lthe mine and disposed vone in advance of said frame from the front end thereof and the other on `the receding side of said frame from the rea-r end thereof, 'a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame driving said cutting mechanism,

and driving connect-ions between the rear lenjd ofsaid motor and said feeding" means selectively operable to Wind in either of said portions.

3l. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, cutting mechanism at one end thereof including V"afcutter chain driving sprocket, flexible feeding mechanism for feedingr said `frame laterally to undercut' a coal face including feeding means and a plurality of cooperating vflexible feeding portions operatively connected between said frame and points inthe mine and disposed one in advance of said frame from the front end thereof and the other on the receding side of said lframe from the rear end thereof, ja horizontally disposed motor on. said frame infrontof said sprocket and having one of its ends operatively connected thereto, driving connections' between the saine vend of said motor and said feeding means and selectively operable to wind in member havinga plurality yof co- 'operating stationary single strand flexible feeding portions operatively connected besaid frame from the front end thereof and the other on the receding side of said frame from the rear end thereof, a horizontallyv disposed motor on said frame in. front of `said sprocket and having one of its ends operativelyfconnected thereto, driving `connections betiveen the same endof said 'motor and said feeding means selectively operable to Wind in either of said portions, and means on said frame for varying the effect of said receding portion.

83. In amining machine, a machine frame slidab-le on its bottom on' a mine bottom, cuttinginechanismat one end thereof including a cutter chain' driving sprocket, fiexibile feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally to undercut a coal face'includinggfeed-- ing means and a plurality of cooperating stationary single strand flexible i feedingpor- 4tions operatively connected to fixed' points in the mineand disposed one .in advance of said frame from the front end thereof andthe other on the receding side of said frame from the rear endthereof, ahorizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally ofsaid frame in front of i said sprocket and driving ysaid sprocket from its rear-end, driving connections vbetween vthe rear end of said motor and said feeding means selectively operable to 'Wind in 'either of said portions, and means on said frame for varying the effect of. said receding portion.` i

lnk a mining machine, a machine fi'ame slidable on its bottoni on a minebottom, cut'- ting mechanism at one end thereof including a cutter chain sprocket, flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterallyV to undercut a coal face including feeding "means and atooperating single leiigthiof flexible feeding member having a plurality of stationary single strand fiexible feeding portions operatively" connected to fixed points in the mine and disposed onein advance of said frame from the front end thereof and the other on the receding side ofsaid fi'ame from the rear endftheieof, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame in front of said sprocket and driving said sprocket from` its rear end, driving connections between the rear end of said motor and said vfeeding means selectively operable to Wind in either sol of said portions, and means on said frame for varying the effect of said last mentioned portions.

35. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor, flexible feeding mechanism for propelling said frame laterally to form a lrerf'in a face includingv a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending in advance of and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends thereof, and feed operating and controlling means including a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor and a rotatable take-up disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and on a vertical axis.

36. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor including cutter driving member rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in rear of said motor, flexible feeding mechanism for propelling said frame laterally to form a kerf in a face including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending in ad- Vance of and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends thereof, and feed operating and controlling` means including a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor on a horizontal axis, a rotatable take-up disposed on said frame in rear of saidmotor and on a vertical axis, and means whereby said take-up may be held in different positions.

37. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon,cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor including a cutter driving sprocket rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in rear of said motor, flexible feeding mechanism for propelling said frame laterally to undercut a face including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending in advance of and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends thereof, and feed operating means including a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor on a horizontal longitudinally `disposed axis, a rotary take-up disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and on a vertical axis, and means whereby said takeup may be moved in opposite directions about its axis.

38. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor including a cutter driving member rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in rear of said motor, flexible feeding mechanism for propelling said frame laterally to undercut a face including a plurality of stationary single strand flexible'feeding portions extending in advance of and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends thereof, feed operating means including a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor on a horizontal longitudinally disposed axis, and rotary take-up means disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and on a vertical axis.

39. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motori, flexible feeding mechanism for propelling said frame laterally to undercut a face including a single length of flexible feeding member having flexible feeding portions extending in advance of and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends thereof, feed operating means including a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor on a horizontal longitudinally disposed axis, and rotatable take-up means disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and on a vertical axisv 40. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine loottom, a motor thereon, cutter mechanism projecting from said frame and driven by ,said motor, a feed operating member longitudinally disposed on a horizontal axis in front of said motor and driven thereby, a taker-up disposed in rear of said motor and on the rear end of said frame and movable about a vertical axis, and flexible feeding means including a single length of flexible feeding member having a plurality of stationary single strand flexible feeding portions disposable in advance of the frame and at the receding side of said frame from the opposite ends of said frame.

4l. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutter mechanism projecting from said frame and driven by said motor including a cutter driving member rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in rear of said motor, a feed operating member longitudinally disposed on a horizontal axis in front of "said motor, a take-up disposed in rear of said motor and on the rear end of said frame and movable about a vertical axis, flexible feeding means including a plurality of stationary single strand flexible feeding portions disposable in advance and at the receding-side of said frame from opposite ends of said frame and operable to direct said cutter mechanism laterally to undercut a face, and means whereby one of said flexible portions may be utilized to move said frame longitudinally.

e2. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, -cutter mechanism projecting from said frame and driven' by said motor including a cutter driving sprocket rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in 'rear of said motor, `a feed operating memberlongitudinally disposed on a horizontal axis in front of said motor, a take-up disposed in rear of said motor and on the rear end of said frame and movable about a vertical axis, flexible feeding means including a plurality of stationary lsingle strand flexible feeding portions disposable in advance and at the receding side of said frame and operable to propel and lguide said cutter mechanism laterally to undercut a face, and means whereby said fiexible feeding portion vdisposable during lateral cutting on the receding side lof -said frame from said take-up member may be utilized to move said frame longitudinally.

43. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism projecting from one end of said frame and driven by said motor including a cutter driving member rotatable on a vertical axis disposed in rear of said motor, a feed operating member disposed in front of said motor and'driven thereby, a movable takeup disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and operable independently of said feed operating member, and flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said frame laterally including portions cooperating with said feed operating-'member and take-up and extending laterally in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame in stationary single strand connections to fixed points in advance of and at the receding side ofthe said frame. 1

44. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism 'projecting from one end ofsaid frame and driven by said motor,a feed operatingl member disposed infront of said motor and driven thereby, a movable take-up disposed on said frame in rear of said motor and operable independently of said feed operating meinber,-and flexible feeding mechanism including a single length of flexible feedin member cooperating With said feed operating member and take-up and having portions extending laterally in opposite directions from vopposite ends of said frame in stationary single strand connections to fixed points in advance of and at the receding side of said frame.

45. In a mining machine, a machine frame vslidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a horizontal motor disposed longitudinally thereof, cuttingmechanism driven by said motor including a cutter chain carrying bar disposed longitudinally of said frame during cutting and a cutter chain driving sprocket at one end of said motor, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed on said frame at theopposite end ofi-said motor from said sprocket, a `take-up on said frame, and feeding and guiding means including a plurality of singlestrand stationary flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and Operable under the propulsion of said feed. operating-member and the control of said take-up to propel said bar laterally and along said forwardly directed portion at a cutting speed to cut a kerf in a face.

46. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a horizontally disposed motor thereon extending longitudinally thereof, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain driving sprocket rotatable on a vertical axis dispof-.fed in rear of said motor, a feed operating mem-l ber rotatable on a horizontal axis and disposed on the opposite end of said frame from said sprocket, driving connections between the rear end of said motor and both sa l sprocket and said feed operating member, and a take-up carried on said frame movable independently offsaid feed operating member.

47. In a mining machine, a machine rame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a horizontally disposed longitudinally extending motor thereon, cutting mecllai'iism` projecti-ng from one end of sa: iframe including a. cutter chain driving sprocket rotatable on a vertical axisdisposed in rear of said motor, a feed operating member rotatablev on a horizontal axis and dispo-sod onV the opposite end of said frame from said sprocket, driving connections between the rear end of said motor and both said sprocket` and said feed operating member, a take-up carried on said frame and movable independently of said feed ogrnerating ineinber, and flexible feeding means controlled by said feed operating .member and take-up including a plurality of stationary s` igle strand'flexible feeding portions extents ug" opposite directions from opposite endsA of said frame.

48. Ina mining machine, a machine frame slidable 0n its'bottom on a mine bottom, a cutter bar carried at one end of said frame and projecting longitudinally of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinallyof said inline.` operative connections to one end of said motor for driving said cutter chain, aifeed oplerating member driven by said motor and disposed on said frame at theopposite end of said motor from said chain driving conneetions, a takeup on said frame, and feeding and guiding means including a plurality of single strand stationary flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed laterally relative to a face to cut a lreif therein.`

49. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a cutter bar carried at one end of said frame and projecting longitudinallyv of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame, operative connections to one end of said motor for driving said cutter chain, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed on said frame at vthe opposite end of said motor from said chain driving connections, a take-up on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of single strand stationary flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly directed portion and laterally relative to a face to undercut the latter, and means for propelling said frame along said normally rear- Wardly directed portion at an increased speed when the free end of said portion is fixed at any point.

50. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a cutter bar carried at one end of said frame and projecting longitudinally of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed longitudinally extending' motor on said frame, operative connections to one end of said motor for driving said cutter chain, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed on said frame at the opposite end of said motor from said chain driving connections, a tal-:eup on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of single strand stationary flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly directed portion and laterally relative to a face to undercut the latter, and means for propelling said frame along said normally rearwardly directed portion at an increased speed and under the control of said take-up When the free end of said portion is fixed at any point.

5l. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a cutter bar carried at one end of said frame and projecting longitudinally of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, horizontally disposed longitudinally extending motor on said frame, operative connections to one end of said motor for driving said cutter chain, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed on said frame at the opposite end of said motor from said chain driving connections, and feeding and guiding means having a plurality of single strand stationary flexible feeding portions extending` laterally in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly directed portion and laterally relative to a face to cut a lrerf therein.

52. ln a mining machine, an elongated machine frame, a cutter bar at one end thereof and projecting longitudinally of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain movable around said bar, a horizontally disposed motor on said frame including rotor means disposed longitudinally of said frame, operative connections between said motor and said cutter chain including a cutter chain driving sprocket at one end of said frame and driven from one end of said motor, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed at the opposite end of said frame and at the opposite .end of said motor from said cutter chain driving sprocket connections, and flexible feeding and guidingmeans operable upon rotation of said feed operating member to propel said bar laterally relative to a face at a cutting speed including a single stationary strand extending laterally from the front end of said frame to a fixed point in advance of said frame and a cooperating single stationary strand extending laterally from a point nearer the opposite end of said frame to a fixed point in rear of said frame.

53. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame, a cutter bar at one end thereof and projecting longitudinally of said frame during cutting, a cutter chain movable around said bar, a horizontally disposed motor on said frame including rotor means disposed longitudinally of said frame, operative connections between said motor and said cutter chain including a cutter chain driving' sprocket at one end of said frame and driven from one end of said motor, a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed at the opposite end of said frame and at the opposite end of said motor from said cutter chain driving sprocket connections, and flexible feeding and guiding means operable upon rotation of said feed operating member to propel said bar laterally relative to a face at a cutting speed llO including a single stationary strand extending laterally from the front endof said frame to a fixed point in advance of vsaid frame and a cooperating single stationary strand extending laterally from a point nearer the opposite end of said frame to a fixed point in rear of said frame, and means for at will propelling said frame in an opposite direction and at an increased speed along said cooperating strand in different positions thereof.

54. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a cutter bar carried `at one end of said frame, a critter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of `sai-d frame, operative connections for driving said cutter chain from said motor, a feed operating member disposed on a horizontal axis and driven from the rearend of said motor, a frame angling take-up on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the 'opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control-of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly directed portion and laterally relative to a face to cut a kerf therein, and means for propelling said frame along said normally rearwardly directed portion at an increased speed when lsaid rearwardly directed portion is connectedin different r lations. l i

55` In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, `a cutter bar carried at one end of said frame andvprojecting longitudinally therefrom during cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame, operative. connections for driving said cutter chain from said motor.` a feed operating member disposed on a horizontal axis and driven from the rear end of saidmotor, a frame angling take-up on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of single strand stationary fiexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the of said frame, acutter chain rotatable about said bara horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame, operative connections for driving said cutter chain from said motor, `a feed operating member disposed on'a horizontal axis and driven from the rear end of said motor, a frame angling take-up on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending in front and rear of said fra-Ine from the opposite ends thereof 'and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly directed portion and laterally relative to a face to cut a kerf therein, and means for propelling said frame along said rearwardly directed portieri at an increased speed and under the control of said take-up when said portion is connected in different relations.

57. In a mining machine, an 'elongatedmachine frame slidable on its bottoni on la mine bottoni, a cutter' bar carried at one end of said frame and projecting longtudinally therefrom during' cutting, a cutter chain rotatable about said bar, a horizontally disposed motor extending longitudinally of said frame, operative connections for driving said critter chain from said motor, afeed operating member disposed on a horizontal axis and driven from the rear end of said motor, a frame angling take-up on said frame, feeding and guiding means including a plurality of single strand stationary feeding portions extending in front and rear of said frame from the opposite ends thereof and operable under the propulsion of said feed operating member and the control of said take-up to direct said bar at a cutting speed along said forwardly direc-ted portion and laterally relative to a face to eut a kerf therein, and means for propelling said frame along said rearwardly directed portion at an increased speed and under the control of said take-up when 'the free end of said portion is fixed at any point.

58. In a mining machine, an elongated machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, a critter bar at one end thereof, a cutter chain movable around said bar, a horizontally disposed motor on said frame including rotor means disposed longitudinally of said frame, operative connections between said motor and saidcutter chain including a cutter e-hain driving sprocket at one end of said frame and at one end of said motor and between said end of said frame and the adjacent end of said motor, and means for propelling said bar relative to a face at a cutting speed including a feed operating member driven by said motor and disposed at the opposite end of said frame and at the opposite end of said motor from said cutter chain driving sprocket and rotatable on an axis lying in a vertical plane which includes thelongitudinal center line of said frame a single strand stationary flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal center line of said frame to a fixed point in advance of said frame and a guiding member adjacent said feed operating member and one edge of said frame for maintaining the adjacent end of said exiblev member at a given distance from the-longitudinal center line of the machine as said feed operating member is rotated.

59. In a mining machine, a frame having a shoe upon which the same is movable over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar and a cutter chain movable around the same, flexible feeding mechanism operatively connected at points on the advancing and receding sides of the frame and leaving the frame at the opposite ends thereof, means on said frame for controlling the angle of said frame including a plurality of guiding members, and means for simultaneously adjusting said guiding members relative to the frame.

60. In a mining machine, a frame having a shoe upon which the same is movable over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar and a cutter chain movable around the same, flexible feeding mechanism operatively connected at points on the advancing and receding sides of the frame and leaving the frame at the opposite ends thereof, means on said frame for controlling the angle of said frame including a pivoted frame having a plurality ofsheaves mounted on vertical axes at its opposite ends, and means for swinging said frame about its pivot.

6l. In a mining machine, a frame having a shoe upon which the same is movable over the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including a forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar and a cutter chain movable around the same, fiexible feeding mechanism operatively connected at points on the advancing and receding sides of the frame and leaving the frame at the opposite ends thereof, means for controlling the angle of said frame including a pivoted frame having a plurality of sheaves mounted on vertical axes at its opposite ends, and means including a ratchet Wheel and a ratchet lever for swinging said frame about its pivot.

62. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism, a support therefor slidable along the mine bottom, flexible guiding means connected to fixed supports on the advancing and receding sides of the machine, said guiding means leaving the machine at two points, one near the wall or cutting end and the other nearer the opposite end thereof, a rotatable member on which said guiding means is wound, and means including a multiple friction clutch mechanism for driving said member in opposite directions.

63. In a mining machine, a support, kerf cutting mechanism thereon, mechanism for feeding the support along the mine bottom, and face smoothing mechanism including a rotatable cutter operatively connected to one of said mechanisms.

64. In a mining machine, the combination with cutting means of a support on which the machine is adapted to slide along the mine bottom,exible guiding means comprising an unbroken cable length connected to the machine, and connected also to fixed supports at opposite sides of the machine, said guiding means leaving the machine at two points, one near the wall or cutting end and the other nearer the opposite end thereof, means for directing the course of the guiding means on the machine, including a pair of guiding sheaves and means for adjusting the position of said sheaves to change the angular relation of the cutting means to the work.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MORRIS P. HOLMES.

Witnesses:

ALBERT BALL, HARVEY C. BERKEY. 

